Description
Simple Tex-Mex queso blanco from the Pioneer Woman delights cheese enthusiasts with creamy, melted goodness. Gradual cooker methods ensure smooth consistency and rich flavor combinations that invite gathering around shared appetizers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) white American cheese
- 4 oz (113 g) pepper jack cheese, shredded
- ⅔ cup (158 ml) half-and-half
- 4 oz (113 g) green chilies, drained
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced fresh jalapeño
Instructions
- Preparation: Combine white American cheese, pepper jack cheese, and half-and-half in the slow cooker, creating a luscious cheese base for the queso.
- Flavor Infusion: Finely chop garlic and jalapeño peppers, then mix into the cheese blend with ground black pepper, ensuring an even distribution of aromatic ingredients.
- Melting Process: Cover the slow cooker and set to high heat, allowing the cheese to melt and meld for 50 minutes; stir midway through cooking to prevent sticking and promote smooth consistency.
- Chili Integration: Thoroughly drain green chilies and gently fold into the molten cheese mixture, ensuring uniform dispersion throughout the queso.
- Garnish Preparation: Skillfully dice fresh tomatoes, chop cilantro, and slice additional jalapeños to create a vibrant and zesty topping.
- Presentation and Serving: Transfer the creamy queso to a serving dish, generously crown with prepared garnishes, and accompany with crisp tortilla chips or use as a decadent nacho topping.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality white American and pepper jack cheeses for a smooth, creamy texture that melts perfectly in the slow cooker.
- Prevent Cheese Burning: Stir the mixture halfway through cooking to avoid scorching and ensure even melting, maintaining a silky consistency.
- Drain Chilies Thoroughly: Remove excess liquid from green chilies to prevent watery queso and maintain a rich, thick dip that clings to chips.
- Customize Heat Levels: Adjust jalapeño quantities to control spiciness, allowing everyone to enjoy the queso according to their personal heat preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg